Heads up: Possible delays at SA airports

Passengers flying to, from, or within South Africa should be prepared for delays, following the suspension of certain air traffic navigation procedures at more than ten of the country’s airports.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is currently conducting safety audits in South Africa. The 12-day Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) audit of South Africa’s civil aviation safety system and oversight capabilities is due to conclude on 3 April 2023.

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PROCEDURAL NON-COMPLIANCE

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the body which oversees aviation matters in the country carried out audits of navigational procedures at the country’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).

Several airports in South Africa have not met the requirements for certain navigation procedures. The SA Civil Aviation Authority has thus suspended the use of certain air traffic navigation procedures at more than ten of South Africa’s airports.

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AFFECTED AIRPORTS

Affected airports in the western half of SA include: Cape Town International Airport (Western Cape), George Airport (Western Cape), King Phalo International Airport (Eastern Cape), Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha), Kimberley Airport (Northern Cape) and Upington Airport (Northern Cape).

Other airports across the country include Bram Fischer International Airport (Free State), Pietermaritzburg Airport (KZN), Richards Bay Airport (KZN), Pilanesburg Airport (North West) and Polokwane International Airport (Limpopo).

IMPACT OF SUSPENSION

For the most part, flights will operate as normal.  Aircraft will be able to land in good visual conditions.  However, operations could be affected if inclement weather conditions are experienced.  

An affected procedure, for example, would be when a flight is forced to land using its instrument landing system (ILS), which might need to be used when visibility is poor. 

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SAFETY AT AIRPORTS

According to SACAA the suspension period is fluid and is dependent on ATNS submitting appropriate measures which mitigate safety risks.

“The SACAA does not take such actions lightly. Disruptions that may be encountered resulting from enforcement actions are unfortunate. However, upholding the country’s aviation safety remains paramount and must remain prioritised at all times,” SACAA said, per News24.

AIRLINK OPERATIONS AFFECTED

Airlink announced on Thursday afternoon that some of its operations at  Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay airports had been disrupted by the suspension of certain instrument-assisted flight approaches.

“Airlink will never compromise the safety and well-being of our passengers, crews and our aircraft. We are doing our best to minimise any disruptions and delays. In the meantime, we urge the responsible aeronautical agencies to quickly restore full air navigation services at the affected airports,” Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster said per Engineeringnews.

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